As the UK prepares for its hottest May day on record, vet Mireia Balliu says some pet owners are unwittingly putting their cats at risk during the heatwave, and has shared life-saving advice on cat heatwave safetyMaria Ortega Foreign Content Specialist and Daniel Windham Assistant Editor, Trendswatch10:27, 22 May 2026Cat owners have been cautioned against spraying their pets with water in a bid to help them manage soaring temperatures, as Britain prepares for what could become the hottest May day on record. The UK is set to experience temperatures reaching as high as 33C over the bank holiday weekend, with heat health warnings issued across substantial parts of England.‌Forecasters say certain regions could be warmer than holiday hotspots including Marbella, Mykonos and Barbados. As the sweltering weather builds, veterinarian Mireia Balliu has called on owners to take additional precautions to keep their pets safe, emphasising that some well-intentioned cooling techniques can actually cause distress to cats. She said: "Cats should never be sprayed with water to cool them down; they hate it, and it can cause them great stress."‌Instead, Balliu advises concentrating on hydration, ventilation and offering cool resting spots throughout the home.‌She outlined that cats are especially at risk during spells of extreme heat because "unlike humans, cats do not sweat effectively and their ability to regulate body temperature is limited; this makes them more sensitive to temperature increases and, in extreme situations, they can suffer from heatstroke, a potentially serious condition."According to the vet, heatstroke occurs when "a cat's body temperature rises above 40°C, and the animal cannot regulate it. This can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, or kidneys, and if not acted upon in time, it can be fatal; they may also experience dehydration, extreme fatigue, and in severe cases, seizures or coma."‌Balliu stressed that spotting the warning signs early is vital. She pointed out that "the most common signs are excessive panting, weakness, tremors, reddened gums, vomiting, loss of coordination and in advanced cases, loss of consciousness; it is also important to pay attention to unusual behaviour, such as the cat seeking to hide or being very still and apathetic. If these symptoms are observed, one must act quickly and go to the vet."Certain cats face a higher risk than others during warm weather. Balliu cautioned that "elderly cats, kittens, those who are overweight, those with chronic illnesses (such as heart or respiratory problems), and brachycephalic breeds (like Persians or flat-faced exotics) are more vulnerable to heat. Cats with very dense or dark-coloured fur also retain more heat."‌The vet recommended owners guarantee their pets always have access to cool, fresh water, noting that bowls should preferably be replenished multiple times daily and positioned in shaded areas around the home. Wet food ancat soups can also contribute to boosting hydration levels. She advised that during hot weather, "it is important to always offer fresh water at several points around the house, keep the home ventilated and cool, avoid direct sun exposure (especially during peak hours), and never leave a cat inside a closed car or poorly ventilated spaces."For owners seeking safe methods to cool their cats down, Balliu recommended gently stroking them with a damp glove if the animal is comfortable with it, along with placing chilled towels on the floor for them to rest on. Frozen water bottles wrapped in towels and cooling mats designed for pets can also offer relief.She further advised brushing long-haired cats daily to help boost airflow through their coats, while steering clear of energetic play during the hottest parts of the day.Article continues belowAs temperatures continue to climb, experts stress that prevention and prompt action are crucial to keeping pets safe throughout the heatwave.